NXT UK prepares to join TakeOver: New York, with a WWE United Kingdom Championship contract signing! Will Pete Dunne and Walter keep it civil?

OFFICIAL RESULTS

• Jordan Devlin VS Dan Moloney; Devlin wins.
• Xia Brookside VS Rhea Ripley; Ripley wins.
• Mark Andrews VS Noam Dar; No Contest Draw.

PLAY BY PLAY

Jordan Devlin VS Dan Moloney!

The Irish Ace returns, still feeling good from beating the Kiwi Buzzsaw in Falls Count Anywhere. But now he takes on the Birmingham beef cake. Will Devlin continue to trump his competition?

The bell rings and fans chant for “DAN! DAN!” as he circles with Devlin. Devlin and Dan tie up and Dan powers Devlin to a corner. Devlin turns it around but backs off at the ref’s orders. He CHOPS Dan and grins, but Dan scowls. Dan swings but into an arm-drag. Devlin grinds Dan down with the armlock but Dan powers his way up. Devlin grabs hair to pull Dan to a corner and then grinds his forearms in. He CHOPS Dan again, then stalks Dan to another corner. Devlin gives another CHOP, but Dan grabs Devlin to throw him into the corner! Dan CHOPS Devlin again and again, then runs, only into Devlin’s urenage and moonsault! Cover, TWO! Devlin grows frustrated with Dan but fans keep cheering.

Devlin rains down right hands then talks trash as he kicks Dan around. Fans keep cheering for Dan as Devlin drives elbows into Dan’s head. Devlin drags Dan up and whips to run him over with an elbow. Fans boo as Devlin looms over Dan. They make fun of the “Wee Finn Balor” even as Devlin wraps Dan up in a modified cobra clutch. Devlin grinds Dan down and shifts the grip. Dan endures and fights his way back up. Dan pries at the hold but Devlin knees low. Devlin whips but Dan breaks free to knee and clothesline Devlin down! Dan rallies and whips to back drop Devlin! Fans fire up with Dan while Devlin flounders out. Dan drags Devlin back up by his hair, but Devlin hotshots Dan down. Devlin slingshots in for a cutter! Cover, TWO!

Dan barely survives and Devlin grits his teeth in frustration. Devlin stands up but Dan knees back! Dan swings Devlin but Devlin slips through for a headbutt! Both men are dazed, but Devlin stays on his feet. He yanks Dan into the ripcord saido! Cover, Devlin wins!

Winner: Jordan Devlin, by pinfall

The Ace didn’t even need his finisher to finish big Dan Moloney. Will Devlin find himself on the short list of contenders after NXT TakeOver: New York?

Kassius Ohno heads to the ring!

The Knockart Artist has a mic already as he walks out, and he wishes to speak to the fans. “I just wanted to take a moment to come out and explain myself.” NXT UK Management wants Ohno to apologize for his actions. He doesn’t want to be artificial and scripted, so he’s here to speak from the heart. Ohno has notes on his phone and reads them. “I, Kassius Ohno, truthfully and sincerely apologize for my actions towards Ashton Smith.” Ohno gives condolences to Smith, his friends and his family. It was wrong of Ohno to do what he did. Ohno shouldn’t have revived Smith just to knock him out again, and he really shouldn’t have. But he couldn’t help himself!

The apology is over as Ohno says how “fulfilling” it was to take someone’s consciousness away! It’s why Ohno’s in NXT UK! This is 2019 and he could’ve gone anywhere, but he chose NXT UK because NXU UK chose him. They made him an offer he couldn’t refuse, and told him to make a statement. And that’s what Ohno did! As Ohno was leaving, he couldn’t help but notice someone trying to play hero. The New Zealander mimicking British wrestling while acting like an American, Travis Banks. Ohno didn’t travel halfway across the road to face Travis Banks. Ohno has his eyes set on the prize, and if Kiwi Buzzsaw ever found himself against Kassius Ohno, the buzzsaw would end up busted and broken. The Knockout Artist has made another statement, but will he back up his words should he actually take Travis Banks on?

Dave Mastiff speaks.

The Bomber is from Black Country, “a real salt-of-the-earth place.” He learned one thing: never show weakness. The men of the Black Country told him to be strong in order to succeed. He showed nothing but strength, just to prove to himself that he was strong. Mastiff vows to never show weakness. The Bomber is ready, but when and where will he return?

NXT UK General Manager, Johnny Saint, makes a huge match!

In two weeks, the Spoiled Princess will get to prove whether or not she’s worthy of the crown when she takes on Toni Storm for the NXT UK Women’s Championship! Speaking of Jinny, she decided to play a game with the NXT UK Universe. Where in the world is Jinny? She’s in India! But Toni isn’t. Because WWE chose Jinny to represent the brand over Toni. It’s because Jinny’s a way better wrestler and a more marketable wrestler. Toni has the title for now but Jinny promises to take it and become the “hero” both the UK and India deserve. Will Jinny bring an end to #ToniTime?

Xia Brookside VS Rhea Ripley!

The second-generation star called out the Mosh Pit Kid for being little more than a bully while Rhea sees Xia as little more than a bug to step on. Will Xia get the better of Rhea this close to Wrestlemania Weekend? Or will she be swept under by the Riptide?

The bell rings and Rhea laughs at little Xia. Xia and Rhea circle as fans duel. They tie up and Xia gets a waistlock. Rhea throws Xia off with ease, then taunts her as they circle again. Rhea wrenches Xia to a wristlock and tells the “peasants” to stop chanting. Xia acrobatically reverses the hold but Rhea grabs hair. Rhea whips but Xia goes up and under, then gets a headlock! Fans fire up for Xia as she grinds Rhea’s head. Rhea works against the hold and overpowers Xia to an armlock. Rhea reels Xia in close for a standing armlock, but Xia works against it. Xia goes up for a headscissors but Rhea throws her down! Rhea kicks Xia around then chokes her against the ropes. Rhea lets up at 4 and shouts at the ref. Xia hits back but Rhea clubs her down.

Rhea toys with Xia then covers, TWO! Rhea drags Xia up to bump her off buckles, then rams her shoulder into Xia’s ribs. She backs off at 4 but Xia fights back again. Rhea clubs Xia to then suplex and hold her up before slamming her down. Cover, TWO! Fans still cheer for Xia but Rhea just grows annoyed. Rhea stomps Xia then clubs away. Xia throws forearms but Rhea clubs her back down. Rhea drags Xia up again for another suplex, but Xia cradle counters! TWO, and Rhea’s dropkick cancels out Xia’s! Rhea drags Xia around into a seated abdominal stretch. Xia endures as fans rally up. Xia gets up to fight free, but Rhea shoves her away. She comes back with dropkicks and Rhea staggers. Xia jumps but Rhea catches her!

Rhea wants her inverted cloverleaf but Xia gets the ropes. Xia pushes Rhea away then hits a jawbreaker. Xia runs for a bulldog! Fans fire up with her as she keeps going, Xia tilt-o-whirls to headscissor Rhea down! Rhea rolls to a corner and Xia runs corner to corner, meteora sends Rhea into buckles! Xia climbs while Rhea is down, but Rhea stands to rock Xia with a haymaker! Rhea climbs to join Xia, but Xia slips out to trip her up! Xia puts Rhea in a Tree of Woe for a basement dropkick! Rhea flops out of the Tree and out of the ring, but Xia smiles? Xia climbs up high and LEAPS for a big crossbody! Direct hit wipes Rhea out and fans are thunderous!

Xia puts Rhea in the ring then climbs up again. Xia jumps for a SUPER CODE BREAKER! Cover, TWO!! Rhea lives and Xia can’t believe it! Xia drags Rhea around as fans rally behind her. Rhea shoves Xia but misses the boot. Xia rolls and crucifix, to a sunset, but Rhea yanks her up with both hands! Modified buckle bomb! Then the RIPTIDE! Cover, Rhea wins!

Winner: Rhea Ripley, by pinfall

The Aussie with attitude gets back on a winning track after beating down the young underdog. But she picks up a mic to speak. “Seriously!?” The NXT UK Women’s Division hasn’t learned yet? That stepping to Rhea means you get ripped apart. Little Xia Brookside wants to talk tough, but Rhea showed her what a real nightmare is. As for the other women on the roster, Rhea is the dominant force in NXT UK. But wait, who is that coming out? PIPER NIVEN! Piper the Viper is back in the WWE via NXT UK! And she stares Rhea right down. Piper takes the ring but Rhea leaves it. Piper picks up the mic and tells “The most dominant woman in NXT UK” isn’t Rhea anymore! Will Rhea have competition for more than just the NXT UK Women’s Championship?

Backstage interview with Isla Dawn.

The White Witch watched both Rhea’s match and Piper’s debut, but what does she make of it? She welcomes new competition, but is extra excited that another Scotswoman is on the roster. However, she’s forgetting Kay Lee Ray. Does Isla thank that being from the same country will make them a little club? KLR lets Isla know she’s not here for friends, she’s here to beat the competition. And Isla might be next. What will happen now that the NXT UK Women’s Roster is growing?

NXT UK takes a closer look at WALTER!

The Austrian Anomaly, the Ring General, the newest and most menacing man in NXT UK! Walter has dominated all over the European wrestling scene, from Progress to wXw and then some, all with that insane back hand chop and equally powerful powerbomb. Many men on the NXT UK roster knows how serious it is to face Walter, and those who didn’t learned very quickly. Walter quite literally leaves his mark on his opponents, and he is already challenging the natural order by challenging the WWE UK Champion. The Bruiserweight may not fear Walter now, but will he once they meet in New York?

Backstage interview with Trent Seven!

The man from Moustache Mountain is proud of Tyler Bate for beating James Drake, but what about Seven himself? Seven’s stunningly dressed, but he’s proud of the Big Strong Boy becoming one of the best. But to be honest, Seven’s miffed because he heard a comment from Joe Coffey saying Seven’s dead weight. Yes, Seven is on teams like Moustache Mountain and British Strong Style, but Seven will be ready to take Joe on man to man. Is that good by Joe? Let’s get it done then. Will the Iron King learn that Seven is far from British Strong Style’s weak link?

The European Alliance speaks.

Fabian Aichner & Marcel Barthel are watching footage on a phone, speaking in their native languages. They show us what they’re watching: Amir Jordan’s “workout” with Kenny Williams. But to the Euro Alliance, this is “the problem” with NXT UK’s tag division. Those two, Kenny and Amir, aren’t talented. But the fans are the problem, because they think this is all fun and games. There is nothing funny about this business! There is nothing about the ring! And there is nothing funny about Aichner & Barthel! They are here to change the NXT UK Universe. If that means getting rid of these two jokes, then they’ll do it. The people don’t understand what this really means to Aichner & Barthel. To them, the mat is sacred. Will they keep it pure and free of fun? Or will Kenny and Amir help them lighten up?

Mark Andrews VS Noam Dar!

The High-Fiving, Stage-Diving Welsh Rockstar took offense to the Scottish Supernova saying he’s already doing a better job as a crossover superstar, when all Dar’s done is lost a title match! Will Dar prove he’s as much of a star as he thinks he is? Or will he be grounded by the Welsh one-man air force?

The bell rings and fans duel as Dar and Andrews circle. Dar and Andrews tie up and Andrews puts Dar in the corner. Dar shouts for the ref and Andrews backs off. Andrews and Dar circle again as fans sing and cheer. Dar gets the armlock and puts Andrews in a corner. He taunts Andrews but backs off at 4. Dar and Andrews circle again, and Dar gets Andrews down with a waistlock. Andrews reverses to a wristlock, but Dar spins and snapmares. Andrews handsprings through and fans cheer as he stands off with Dar. Dar rushes Andrews but Andrews whips him away. Things speed up but Dar grabs ropes to fake out Andrews’ flip. Dar also fakes out Andrews’ arm-drag, but Andrews avoids the kick to his arm! Andrews jumps up and Dar backs off, to the fans’ enjoyment!

Dar and Andrews circle again, then speed up. Andrews headscissors and arm-drags Dar around, then brings him down with an armlock. Dar works his way up and around to bring Andrews to the ropes. Dar knees low then brings Andrews to the opposite ropes, but Andrews counters with a tiger feint kick! Andrews goes to bump Dar but Dar counters with a right hand. Dar ducks and sweeps Andrews’ legs! Then he baseball slides Andrews to the ground! Fans cheer while Dar poses. Andrews gets up but Dar goes out to attack first. They brawl and Dar puts Andrews in the ring. Dar stalks Andrews to throw body shots. Dar throws Andrews down for a cover, TWO! Andrews gets to ropes while fans mock Dar’s “rawr!”

Dar goes after Andrews but Andrews fires forearms and chops. Dar atomic lifts to straddle Andrews on the top rope! The referee reprimands Dar but Dar plays dumb, like he didn’t know the ropes were so close. Cover, TWO! Dar drags Andrews up to throw him right at the ropes! Andrews clutches his leg while Dar swaggers about. Dar covers, TWO! Fans continue to echo “Rawr!” while Dar circles Andrews. Dar drags Andrews up for a wrench, then kicks Andrews over and over. Dar brinds Andrews to his knees in the modified armlock, but fans rally back up. Andrews fights out but Dar headbutts back. Dar shoves but Andrews sunset flips, only for Dar to slip through. Andrews pushes Dar away then CHOPS! He bobs ‘n’ weaves with Dar to light him up.

Andrews whips but Dar reverses, Andrews slides and PELES back! Fans fire up as both men crawl to opposite ends. Andrews runs in at Dar for double knees, then keeps moving for a wheelbarrow, Stomp 182! But Dar rolls all the way away to avoid the moonsault. Andrews adjusts course to DIVE on Dar! Direct hit sends Dar into barriers! Andrews fires up as he puts Dar in the ring for the standing corkscrew moonsault! Cover, TWO!! Fans again echo “RAWR~” as Andrews grows frustrated. Andrews stalks Dar then runs in. Dar dodges in the corner as fans duel. Dar baits Andrews in to table top him into an Ankle Lock! Andrews rolls through to send Dar out! Then Andrews goes to the apron, triangle Asai moonsault! Another direct hit and Coventry is fired up for “NXT! NXT!”

Andrews puts Dar back in again, avoids the sweep and hotshots Dar down. Andrews slingshots but Dar shoves him off course! Dar catches his breath while Andrews slowly stands up on the outside. The ring count passes 5 but Dar goes out to fetch Andrews. Dar sends Andrews into steel steps with a running snapmare! The referee checks on Andrews but he’s somehow okay to continue. The ring count restarts as both Dar and Andrews stagger up. Andrews gets in at 5 while Dar takes his time to get in at 8. Dar stalks a crawling Andrews, but runs into a forearm! Andrews rolls Dar, TWO! Andrews wheelbarrows but Stomp 182 is countered to a kneebar! With heel hook! Dar holds on tight to the Champagne Super Kneebar as Andrews reaches for ropes.

Fans duel and rally as Andrews crawls and Dar twists. Andrews gets the ropebreak! Dar lets go at 4, but he is still frustrated. Fans duel again as Andrews crawls to a corner. Andrews drags himself up to his feet but Dar is on him. Andrews enziguris Dar down, then on one good leg, he hops for an Arabian Press! Cover, TWO! Dar survives and Andrews can’t believe it. Fans chant “This is RAR-some!” Dar and Andrews slowly stand up and they start throwing forearms! Andrews gets the edge but Dar kicks the bad leg. Dar throat chops, headbutts and uppercuts, but into a backslide! TWO, but barely! Andrews slides but gets clobbered!

Dar drags Andrews up, but gets Stun-Dog Millionaire! Cover, TWO!! Dar still lives and Andrews is shocked! But fans are loving this as Andrews comes back for a Revesre-Rana, but the bad leg gives out! Both men take a bit of a spill and the ref checks on Dar. The X comes up, and though fans are upset, they’re also proud of these two men. They give Dar a standing ovation while the medics take a look at Dar. Neither man can continue, so this is a No Contest draw.

No Contest Draw

Fans chant for the “Supernova!” while the medics check the left leg. Andrews has his own leg problems, but Dar really only just came back from a leg injury. Dar and Andrews each ride a stretcher out while fans continue the standing ovation of support. Both men give big thumbs up, but when and where will either be back to the ring?

NXT UK Head and Assistant GMs head to the ring!

Johnny Saint and Sid Scala are here to preside over the contract signing for the WWE United Kingdom Championship. Fans give Saint an ovation while Sid takes care of welcoming everyone to this huge match for TakeOver: New York. Without any further ado, he introduces the challenger, WALTER! The Ring General makes his way out as fans sing along. And of course, Sid introduces the champion, Pete Dunne! The Bruiserweight holds his title up as he closes in on 700 days. Dunne joins everyone in the ring, stoic but menacing as always. Sid asks they take their seats, but neither man sits down right away.

“This is the biggest match in the history of NXT UK.” This match is what European wrestling has wanted for years, and it’s happening on the biggest weekend in sports entertainment. Does Walter have anything to say? Walter moves the mic aside and signs his part of the contract. He passes the contract to Dunne, and Dunne has something to say. “You don’t have to say anything? It’s not just the WWE Universe that wants this match.” Dunne stands up as he says “I want this match!” Dunne also tells Walter that in New York, Walter will learn what everyone’s known for 674 days: NXT UK belongs to Pete Dunne! And the WWE United Kingdom Championship is and always will be Dunne’s, too! Dunne puts the mic down and signs his part of the contract. And with that, the match is official!

Dunne turns and leaves, but Walter speaks! “Peter.” He says it in Austrian, but then translates to English that Dunne knows Walter could easily just grab Dunne across the table to put him through it! But he doesn’t need to do that to prove his point. Dunne’s time is up, and in New York, the Reign of the Bruiserweight ends. That title is WALTER’s! Dunne responds by holding the belt up high again. The UK, Europe and the entire world finally gets to see this match! Who comes out of New York with the belt?!

My Thoughts:

What a great episode! Devlin VS Moloney is a good opener, but it was mostly a filler to keep Devlin afloat in the singles division. Kassius Ohno had a great two-faced promo, which I totally expected the moment he started talking about an apology. Ohno VS Banks is coming, and that will be great to see. Devlin and Banks might both be on their way up to the WWE UK Championship in the post-Mania part of this year. Dave Mastiff is finally on his way back, he himself might come back in as a contender since he’s yet to have his match despite being undefeated to this point. Seven VS Joe Coffey will be great to keep both men strong in the singles division while also being in the tag. Kenny & Amir VS Aichner & Barthel will be a good tag match, too, to strengthen the tag division’s midcard.

I was hoping the NXT UK Women’s Championship of Toni VS Jinny would happen in the go-home, but at least now it’ll give us a reason to watch their post-TakeOver episode. Rhea VS Xia was a really good match, but naturally Rhea wins. It is too soon for Xia to give Rhea her comeuppance as the underdog Face over the Heel bully. But now it seems it might not even be Xia who gets the better of Rhea with Piper Niven joining the roster! Piper did great in the inaugural Mae Young Classic, and it’s great WWE finally signed her here. Isla VS KLR will be great next week, an eventual Piper VS Rhea will be great, the NXT UK Women’s Division is getting stronger at the right time to me.

Dar VS Andrews was a great match, so it’s even more unfortunate to see that shoot injury to Dar’s leg. Dar has been plagued by injuries for being so young, but that does speak to how active he’s been in his career. I’m pretty sure Dar’s leg was more legitimately hurt than Andrews’, but it was a good way to disguise some of it by saying Andrews was also hurt. Hopefully both men make speedy recovers, and are more careful in a possible rematch. Then the contract signing was great, mostly because we finally got to hear Walter speak in a prolonged fashion. I’m really thinking Walter has to win, because there’s no higher Dunne can go. At 674, with only 9 more days until TakeOver: New York, stopping short of 700 is actually how it should go, really.

My Score: 8.5/10